Unhoused outreach is the act of bringing mutual aid, support, or services to those impacted by homelessness. We do outreach to reduce some of the harms that present themselves when individuals are unhoused. I have been doing homeless outreach since December of 2024 after Rochester Grants Pass Resistance’s (RGPR) first Outreach Training event. Since then, I have gone out many times. Here are some tips!

Take a friend!

• Always do outreach with a friend. It is much safer that way and an extra pair of hands doesn’t hurt.
• Join RGPR’s All Weather Crisis Team to look for an outreach partner (ask to join at an upcoming event). People are always open to team up.

Stay in your comfort zone

• Bring supplies that you feel comfortable giving out. Some people give out cigarettes, some give out cash, some give out clean needles, etc. You don’t have to give out any of those if you don’t want to. Instead, consider bringing water, clothes, food (fruits, crackers, PB&J), etc.
• Feel free to politely decline any requests from the people you meet. I have been asked for rides a few times. Most times I don’t mind, but there have been some instances where I have declined.

Bring compassion, but don’t bottle it up

• While most interactions with people are only a few words, feel free to form a bond with anyone you meet out there. Sometimes people just want someone to listen to them, so lend an ear. When talking, look them in the eyes—they are humans just like you.
• You will see people suffering. In these instances remember that you are there to lend temporary help and you are not there to solve all of their problems. Most importantly, don’t forget to hold positive energy.
• This work requires a lot of emotional energy. Don’t bottle it up for too long. Take breaks, continue enjoying life, refresh yourself, and get ready for the next round.

Spend time thinking of the future

• Homelessness is a symptom of deeper systemic issues. Take time to think and research the root causes, such as the shortage of affordable housing, rising rents, and the lack of resources for mental health and addiction.
• By only doing outreach you will not be solving the underlining issues, and unfortunately, they will still be out there by the end of the day. Consider spending energy on the real solutions to these issues. Organizations like Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), Rochester Grants Pass Resistance (RGPR), and VOCAL are putting in work to push for a future that treats all people with compassion and decency.
• Be part of the change and make a difference by signing our petition to push legislation on long term solutions: bit.ly/HousingNotHandcuffsPetition